The Urethral Rhabdosphincter, Levator Ani Muscle, and Perineal Membrane: A Review

Figure 11

A diagram of the levator ani, rhabdosphincter, and perineal membrane in women. Lateral view through the bony pelvis. In the female, the rhabdosphincter is connected with the ischiadic bony ramus by the perineal membrane. The fibers of the levator ani muscle are directed to the external sphincter and anus. In the female, the rhabdosphincter is continuous with the anterior long muscle sheet, the urethrovaginal sphincter (UVS), and the posterolateral small part, the compressor urethrae (CU). These striated muscles are embedded in an elastic-fiber mesh that provides the insertion for the perineal membrane (PM) to the ischiadic bony ramus. The perineal membrane extends anteromedially to a space between the vestibular bulb and the vaginal wall. The levator ani is attached to the superior aspects of the perineal membrane (arrows).